Girona history

Foundation and First Mentions

Although the first settlements of Iberian tribes (the Ausetani) existed in this area long before the arrival of the legions, the official history of Girona begins in the Roman era. The city was founded around 77 BC by the Roman general Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus (Pompey the Great). The fortress was named Gerunda and was erected for strategic purposes during the war against Sertorius to control the region.

Key Factors of Development

The transformation of a military fortress into a thriving city was driven by a combination of several important factors:

• Strategic Geography: The city was established on high ground at the confluence of four rivers (the Ter, Onyar, Güell, and Galligants). This location created a natural defence system and provided inhabitants with water.
• Transport Accessibility: The Via Augusta, the main Roman road connecting Rome to Cadiz, passed through Gerunda. This guaranteed a constant flow of goods and travellers, stimulating trade.
• Military and Political Significance: Being the "key" to the Iberian Peninsula from the European side, the city was always the focus of rulers—from Romans and Visigoths to the Franks, who made it the centre of the County of Girona.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Even in the early stages of its existence, Girona stood out as an important administrative and spiritual centre. In the 5th–7th centuries, during the Visigothic era, the city became the seat of a bishop, which significantly strengthened its cultural influence. The economy of early Girona was based not only on servicing transit routes but also on minting coins, evidencing the settlement's high status. It was during this period that the unique architectural core of the city was formed, surrounded by powerful defensive walls, parts of which have survived to this day.

Key Dates in the History of Girona

Girona's rich past has left its mark on every street of the old town. This timeline will help you better understand the context of the historical events that shaped the city's unique appearance.

From Antiquity to the Middle Ages

• 77 BC — Roman general Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus founds the fortress of Gerunda to protect the strategic Via Augusta road.
• 785 — The city's inhabitants voluntarily open the gates to Charlemagne's troops. Girona becomes part of the Spanish March and an important outpost of the Frankish state.
• 878 — Count Wilfred the Hairy unites the governance of the counties of Girona and Barcelona, strengthening the region's political significance.
• 12th Century — The golden age of the Jewish community. The city transforms into one of Europe's most important centres for Kabbalah studies; the famous El Call quarter takes shape.
• 1416 — A bold architectural decision is made to build a single nave for the Cathedral. It would subsequently become the widest Gothic nave in the world.
• 1492 — The Alhambra Decree leads to the expulsion of the Jews, after which the historic El Call quarter empties and remains preserved in time.

Modern Era and Contemporary Times

• 1640 — Girona finds itself at the centre of events during the "Reapers' War" (Guerra dels Segadors), defending its traditional rights.
• 1809 — The city withstands a heroic seven-month "Great Siege" by Napoleon's army, becoming a symbol of Catalan resilience.
• 1856 — The opening of the railway connection with Barcelona gives a powerful boost to the economy and trade.
• 1877 — Gustave Eiffel builds the famous "Red Bridge" (Pont de les Peixateries Velles) in Girona several years before erecting his tower in Paris.
• 1980s — The beginning of the large-scale restoration of the Old Town (Barri Vell), which turned Girona into a popular world-class tourism hub.
• 1991 — The official opening of the University of Girona returns the status of an important academic and youth centre to the city.

Stages of Urban and Cultural Development

The history of Girona is not just a succession of dates, but a consistent transformation of urban space and economy. The city has journeyed from an impregnable fortress to a cultural centre open to the world. Here are the key milestones that defined Girona's modern appearance and status:

• Spiritual and Intellectual Flourishing (12th–15th Centuries)
  The formation of the El Call quarter turned Girona into one of the main centres of Jewish culture and Kabbalah studies in Europe. This heritage created a unique, dense layout of labyrinthine streets, which today is a major magnet for tourists and a cultural asset of the city.
• Architectural Boldness (15th–17th Centuries)
  The decision to build the gigantic single nave of the Cathedral was a turning point in urban planning. This not only demonstrated the city's economic power at that time but also forever changed its skyline, creating a recognisable silhouette visible for many kilometres.
• Expansion Beyond the Walls (19th Century)
  After the Napoleonic Wars, the city began to feel cramped within its medieval walls. Active development of the left bank of the Onyar River began, forming the Mercadal district. This transformed Girona from a closed military outpost into a modern bourgeois city with wide squares, such as Independence Square.
• Railway Revolution (1856)
  The arrival of the train and the connection with Barcelona and the French border became a powerful economic driver. This event turned Girona into an important logistics hub, facilitated the export of local goods, and opened the city to its first travellers.
• "Iron" Architecture and Bridges (Late 19th Century)
  The construction of new bridges across the Onyar, including Gustave Eiffel's famous bridge, not only improved the connectivity of districts but also formed the famous "postcard" view of the city. The colourful houses over the river became a symbol of the fusion of historical and industrial aesthetics.
• Revitalisation of the Old Town (1980s–1990s)
  A large-scale plan to restore the historic centre (Barri Vell), which was in decline by the mid-20th century, was decisive for the city's economy. Transforming the old quarters into a world-class pedestrian zone reoriented Girona's economy towards cultural tourism.
• Establishment as a University Centre (1991)
  The creation of the University of Girona breathed new life into the ancient walls. The restoration of ancient monasteries and palaces for use as academic buildings allowed for the preservation of architecture, while the influx of students rejuvenated the city, stimulating the development of creative industries and the service sector.

Architectural Layers: The City's Chronicle in Stone

Girona is a classic example of a palimpsest city, where each historical era was superimposed on the previous one, creating a complex and harmonious architectural ensemble. Urban development progressed from the fortified Roman core (Força Vella) to the expansion of the medieval city (Eixample Medieval) and, finally, to the development of the banks of the Onyar River.

Romanesque Style and Gothic (11th–15th Centuries)

The Middle Ages were the period of Girona's greatest flourishing, defining its austere and majestic appearance. Stone was the primary material of this era.

• Monastery of Sant Pere de Galligants: One of the best examples of Lombard Romanesque style in Catalonia. It is characterised by its massiveness, octagonal bell tower, and the rich sculptural decoration of its capitals.
• Arab Baths: A Romanesque structure from the 12th century, styled after Eastern baths. The building is known for its elegant dome over the central pool.
• The Cathedral (Nave): A masterpiece of Catalan Gothic. An engineering marvel of its time—the widest Gothic nave in the world (almost 23 metres), devoid of internal columns, creating a sense of incredible spaciousness.
• Basilica of Sant Feliu: Combines a Romanesque layout with a Gothic nave and a Baroque façade. Its slender bell tower has become one of the symbols of the city's silhouette.

Baroque and Neoclassicism (17th–18th Centuries)

During this period, urban spaces became more theatrical. Architects sought to adorn austere medieval walls with lavish elements to emphasise the status of the church and nobility.

• Main Façade of the Cathedral: A grandiose example of Catalan Baroque. The façade resembles a huge stone altar rising above the city.
• Cathedral Staircase: A monumental staircase of 90 steps, built in the 17th century, is a striking example of Baroque urban planning, creating a dramatic scenic perspective.
• Independence Square (Plaça de la Independència): An example of 19th-century Neoclassical urban planning. Strict symmetry, arcades, and porticos create a cosy and orderly urban space in the style of Spanish "Plaza Mayor".

Modernism and the Industrial Era (19th–20th Centuries)

With the expansion of the city beyond the fortress walls and the development of industry, new materials (iron, glass) and the vibrant colours of Catalan Modernism arrived in Girona.

• Houses on the Onyar River (Cases de l'Onyar): Although the buildings themselves have medieval foundations, their current appearance with bright façades hanging over the water was formed during later reconstructions. This is a unique example of vernacular architecture that has become the city's calling card.
• Red Bridge (Pont de les Peixateries Velles): Built by Gustave Eiffel's company in 1877. The design demonstrates the aesthetics of the industrial era: a light, intricate latticework of red metal beams.
• Casa Masó: The home of architect Rafael Masó is a gem of Noucentisme (a Catalan movement that succeeded Modernism). The building is distinguished by respect for tradition, restraint, and integration into the river landscape.
• Farinera Teixidor Flour Factory: A striking example of Modernism designed by Rafael Masó. An industrial building transformed into a work of art using white ceramics, curved lines, and turrets.

Distinguished Figures of Girona

The history of Girona is written by the destinies of its inhabitants. This city has been home to great thinkers, rulers, and creators whose legacy extended far beyond the fortress walls. Here are key figures inextricably linked to the city's past and present.

Historical and Spiritual Leaders

• Saint Narcissus (Sant Narcís) (4th Century)
  Bishop and Patron Saint of the city.
  A semi-legendary figure associated with the main miracle in Girona's history. According to tradition, during the siege of the city by the French in 1285, swarms of flies flew out of his tomb, attacking the invaders and forcing them to retreat. Saint Narcissus Day is the main city festival.
• Ermessenda of Carcassonne (c. 972–1058)
  Countess of Girona and Barcelona, politician.
  One of the most powerful women in medieval Europe. She effectively ruled the Catalan counties for over 60 years, outliving her husband and son. Ermessenda donated significant funds for the construction of Girona Cathedral, where her tomb is located.
• Moshe ben Nachman (Nachmanides / Bonastruc ça Porta) (1194–1270)
  Rabbi, physician, philosopher, and Kabbalist.
  The spiritual leader of Girona's Jewish community during its "Golden Age". Thanks to his works and authority, the city became a world centre for Kabbalah studies and received the title "Mother of Israel". The centre for Jewish history in the El Call quarter is named in his honour.

Figures of Culture and Modernity

• Rafael Masó (1880–1935)
  Architect and public figure.
  The main representative of Catalan Noucentisme in architecture. He sought to combine tradition and modernity, changing the face of Girona. His famous works, such as "Casa Masó" on the Onyar River and the "Farinera Teixidor" flour mill, are architectural gems of the city.
• Carles Rahola (1881–1939)
  Journalist, historian, and writer.
  A chronicler of Girona who dedicated his life to studying and popularising the history of his native land. His tragic execution at the beginning of the Franco dictatorship made him a symbol of the struggle for freedom of speech and Catalan identity.
• The Roca Brothers (Joan, Josep, and Jordi) (born 1964, 1966, 1978)
  Chefs and restaurateurs.
  Modern legends of Girona, founders of the restaurant El Celler de Can Roca. Thanks to their innovative approach to cuisine, the restaurant has twice been named the best in the world, turning the quiet city into one of the planet's main gastronomic capitals.